Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 578: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he proposes to take to ensure that the Ryder Cup at the K Club in summer 2006 will be shown on free for new Irish television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1000/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The television without frontiers directive provides that member states of the European Communities may designate certain sporting and cultural events as being of major importance to society and that events so designated should continue to be available on free-to-air television services.

In March 2003 the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003 specified the events designated as events of major importance to society for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on a live basis on free television services should be provided in the public interest.

Section 9 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003 requires me to carry out a review of designated events not later than three years after the passing of the 2003 Act, that is to say, not later than April 2006.

I announced my intention to commence this review in December 2005 and have sought submissions by 27 January 2006 from the public and other interested parties, including event organisers and broadcasters. It is my intention to consider the possible designation of the Ryder Cup in the context of that review.